The Benalla Family Research Group offers a unique service in the Rose City. If it can’t find a new home by the end of the year, it could be lost for ever.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
The clock is ticking and if no solution is found the Benalla Family Research Group, and its vast archive, could be lost.
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BSFG has been aware for almost four years that its current premises in an old chapel within the Presbyterian church grounds would be sold.
Despite numerous approaches to council, community groups and real estate agents, it is yet to find a new home.
Volunteer Mary Bridgland said the not-for-profit group had been informed it would need to be out by the end of the year.
“Everyone has worked very hard for a number of years,” she said.
“We've tried every vacant building in Benalla.”
Ms Bridgland said the group was getting desperate and was hoping there was someone out there that could save an active and important Benalla group.
“We need a long-term lease, a single location with electricity and access to toilets,” she said.
“We could even co-locate.”
The Benalla Family Research Group has a huge archive that it needs to keep accessible and safe in order to preserve local history.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Ms Bridgland said the main thing was that it needed to keep its collection together.
“Our business and purpose is family research, both local and within Australia and overseas,” she said.
“We have people come here locally, statewide, national and international.
“People have come from as far away as London to follow up on their family roots.”
And, of course, all those people who come to use BFRG’s resources stay and spend money in Benalla.
If you are in a position to assist BSFG find its new home you can call president Bill Willett on 0429 947 696, or pop into its current premises on Church St on a Wednesday or Thursday.
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